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The following
are 9 Tips to help you ace the all-important Interview:
- 1, Research,
research, and research some more about the company you are applying
for (via Internet, newspapers, trade publications, newsletters,
and of course, your library's reference desk). The more you know
about what they do, how they operate, the better. Use this knowledge
in your interview. When there is a lull in the conversation, you
can say something like this: "So, I have heard that the company
is expanding its production line to include xyz gadget. When are
you starting the production of these?"
- 2, Dress comfortably
and conservatively. Men: wear a dark gray or blue suit with an ironed
white shirt, conservative tie, dark socks and shoes. If the job
you are applying for doesn't require a suit, wear dark, solid color
pants or slacks with a sport shirt in a solid color or with subtle
stripes. Don't wear jeans or athletic shoes. Women: no fleshy jewelry
or heavy makeup. Wear a medium to dark color suit, or a dress with
a jacket. Or a jacket and skirt together. Choose a light colored
- preferably white or ivory blouse. Both men & women: Make sure
that your overall appearance is professional and as perfect as possible.
- 3, Treat everyone
you come in contact with at the company as if they have authority
to hire you (in fact, they might have, you never know.) It isn't
rare for the hiring authority to ask the receptionist/secretary
after the interview has been concluded how friendly the potential
employee was while waiting for the interview.
- 4, Make and
maintain good eye contact.
- 5, If you are
nervous, feel free to say so. Say something like: "I find myself
very nervous because I'm very interested in your organization."
Acknowledging your nervousness and anxiety often reduces it and
interviewers are usually very understanding. (Remember, it has been
known that people hire people who they feel comfortable with. So,
make yourself as comfortable as possible!)
- 6, Ask questions,
don't just sit there waiting to be interrogated. You have just as
much right to find out everything about the company as they have
finding out about you. Sample questions: "In your opinion, what
are the most relevant abilities for this job?" "Would you describe
the long-term goals of the company?" "Is there anything from my
previous experiences that you would like me to elaborate on?"
- 7, Make sure
you indicate that you want the job! One of the top 10 reasons why
a person doesn't get hired is the lack of enthusiasm and interest
in both the company and the particular position.
- 8, Make sure
that you have several copies of your résumé with you in case the
interviewer asks for it and in case a panel of people will interview
you. Also, have your 4-5 professional references listed on a separate
sheet of paper (same quality paper as résumé). When the interviewer
asks about your references, voila, you will have them right there
to present to him/her. (Having your references ready and with you
for the interview shows a degree of preparedness & professionalism.)
- 9, Follow up
the interview - IMMEDIATELY - with a thank- you letter. About 95%
of job candidates ignore this essential step. If you want to stand
out from your competition and leave a final, positive impression
with the person who interviewed you, you need to send a thank-you
letter. Use quality stationery whether you handwrite it or type
it. Include these elements: - appreciation of the interviewing person's
time - the understanding of duties in your job; highlight ways your
qualifications match them - mention that you are highly motivated
and eager to succeed - also mention that you hope you are being
considered for the job, because you are very interested in it -
say that you look forward to talking to him/her in the near future.
GOOD
LUCK TO YOU! GO AND GET THEM!
BE
CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES!
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